Finding a lost or misplaced Android phone can be a frustrating experience, especially when the device is turned off. While Google’s Find My Device system is useful, it has some limitations, especially when the device is not connected. Google aims to solve this problem by introducing a new Powered Off Finding API with Android 15.

A new report Android Police It sheds light on how the API can help locate devices even when they are turned off. Essentially, the system works by storing pre-computed Bluetooth beacons in the memory of the Bluetooth controller.

But there’s a catch: In order for the device to power its Bluetooth controller, you need special hardware that allows it to work even when the phone is completely turned off. Therefore, this feature may also require a small amount of battery power. While initial rumors suggested that this feature might launch alongside the Pixel 9, a report has now emerged Android Police It shows that Pixel 8 can also use it after updating to Android 15.

In addition to the hardware requirements, significant software development effort is required to support the Bluetooth Finder HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer). Users should also make sure they have updated to Android 15 and have the latest version of Google’s Find My Device system.

Unfortunately, older devices like the Pixel Fold, Pixel 7 series, and Pixel 6 series are less likely to have this feature. It’s unclear whether these devices have the necessary hardware or if the limitations are purely software-related. However, there is a possibility that this feature will be expanded to some older devices in the future, especially high-end models like the Pixel Fold.